Administrative Assistant Iii; public Defenders Office Non-union

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the General Counsel to the Public Defender, supports file management and maintenance, assists with labor relations matters, provides logistical support, and exercises discretion and judgment to determine and implement the proper approach or action to support operations of the General Counsel’s office. Interprets and adapts guidelines, including unwritten policies and practices, and acts as a resource person for department‑wide or county‑wide rules that impact the specific work area.

Performs detailed review of legal and confidential records to identify privileged, sensitive, or exempt information, prepares red actions, drafts supporting privilege logs, and assists in reviewing and categorizing records responsive to requests for information.

Performs specialized and complex administrative work within an office with a wide range of duties. Handles various contingencies, coordinates activities across units, assumes primary ownership of key elements of administrative operations, answers administrative questions, addresses unconventional issues, and may perform other duties as assigned.

• Possession of a High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) Certificate and two (2) years of administrative, clerical, or operations experience, or directly related experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

• Ability to work with administrative, supervisory, technical, and professional personnel.
• Advanced knowledge of organizational policies and procedures to answer moderately complex administrative questions and identify unconventional solutions.
• Sound decision‑making and ability to carry out programs affecting one’s own work and the work of others in a changing environment.
• Basic organizational or bookkeeping principles and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other software applications.
• Ability to guide team members and provide general support for unit objectives.
• Ability to perform moderately complex administrative and customer service tasks to improve efficiencies.
• Collaboration skills and ability to establish effective relationships with others.

Sedentary work involving exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods.

Preference is given to honorably discharged veterans who served in the Armed Forces of the United States for >180 consecutive days or during war time. Applicants must identify themselves as a veteran on the job application and attach a copy of their DD‑214, DD‑215, or NGB 22 at the time of application. Veterans must provide the original applicable discharge papers at the time of interview.

• Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• Possible qualification for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

The County offers a hybrid work environment that includes telecommuting and flexible scheduling options.

Successful completion of post‑offer tests, including a background check, drug screen, and medical examination, is required.

Falsification of any information in the application or after hire may result in disqualification, dismissal, or placement on the County’s Ineligible for Re‑hire List.

Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) employer. Cook County prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to protected categories as defined by law. Human Resources, Article II. Personnel Policies, Section 44‑53 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances and Chapter 42. Human Relations, Article II. Human Rights, Section 42‑35.

Internal candidates offered the position must follow Cook County Personnel Rules for salary allocations.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.